4 Reasons to Read the Bible on a Regular Basis

The following is an excerpt from my book Abiding in the Vine that gives four reasons to read the Bible on a regular basis. Let’s immerse ourselves in the Word of God!

From the time that we become Christians, we hear people telling us that we should be reading the Bible. But we scarcely hear why reading God’s Word is so important. If it is seen as merely a religious duty, we will lack the motivation and discipline to engage, and we will not receive the benefits of the Word. Below are a few reasons why every believer should spend time in the Word on a regular basis.

1. Revelation of God

The first reason we should be in the Word is to get an accurate understanding of God. The Bible is God’s revelation to mankind. He desires to communicate with us, and the primary way that He does it is through His Word. When we read the Bible, we should ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us and to give us eyes to see and ears to hear. Reading the Bible is not an end in itself. It should lead us into deeper knowledge of God and should draw us into greater intimacy with Him.

2. Spiritual Nourishment

The Word of God is compared to milk (see 1 Peter 2:2), bread (see Matthew 4:4), and solid food (see Hebrews 5:12). The analogy is clear: the Word is to our spirit what food is to our body. How healthy would you be physically if you ate food the same way that you read the Bible? If we want to grow and be nourished spiritually, we must spend time in the Word. Even when we do not understand how to interpret or apply the things we read, our spirit is being fed. A sermon on Sunday is not enough. Try eating once a week and see how your body would react!

3. A Solid Foundation

In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus tells the story of a wise man who built his house on the rock and a foolish man who built his house on the sand. In the story, the wise man represents the person who hears the Word and obeys it, while the foolish man hears the Word and does not obey it. God’s Word is meant to be a solid foundation upon which to build our lives. When our lives are built upon the rock of the Word (by hearing and obeying), we will be able to withstand the storms of life and will not succumb to the various winds of doctrine floating around that seek to derail us.

4. A Weapon Against Temptation

When Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He answered all three temptations by saying “It is written” and then quoting a Scripture. We can overcome temptation in the same way, by using the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). But how can we use God’s Word like a sword if we do not know it? We must hide the Word in our hearts, so that when the time of temptation comes we will be equipped to stand against the enemy.

I could name other reasons why it is essential to read the Word. But the main point I want to make is that it is not out of a legalistic obligation that we are supposed to read the Bible but because our spiritual lives depend on it. We need the Word! “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Take the time every day to meditate on God’s Word.

Click image below to purchase:

Abiding in the Vine is a collection of 40 devotional writings that are meant to feed your spirit and draw you closer to God. Rich with the Word of God and insights into the Spirit-filled life, each reflection will bring understanding and encouragement, as well as challenge you to go deeper in your walk with Christ.